Foreign Retail in Saudi: SAR 30M Minimum Capital

Oct 30, 2026•2 min read

Foreign companies looking to run wholesale, retail, or e-commerce businesses in Saudi Arabia can own 100% of their operations, but must meet a minimum cash capital requirement of SAR 30,000,000,

The requirement applies to foreign companies that already operate in at least three international markets. Beyond the cash capital, these businesses are expected to invest at least SAR 300,000,000 in Saudi Arabia within five years — including the SAR 30,000,000 cash capital — or at least SAR 200,000,000 within five years while meeting additional investment or local-manufacturing conditions.

Since the Investment Law took effect in February 2025, foreign investors generally register with the وزارة الاستثمار rather than obtain the former investment license. Applications and investor registration are handled through the Ministry's electronic services. Required documents typically include the foreign company's authenticated commercial registration and authenticated financial statements for the most recent fiscal year.

Fees and payment

Reported fees are SAR 2,000 for a selected period of one to five years. The investor-relations subscription is reported at SAR 10,000 for the first year and SAR 60,000 for each subsequent year. Payments are made through SADAD using وزارة الاستثمار biller code 108.

For the expat community and international firms eyeing the Saudi market, the rules set a clear entry threshold for large, established retailers and e-commerce players. They also reflect the Kingdom's wider push under رؤية السعودية 2030 to attract serious, long-term foreign investment while channeling capital into local operations and jobs.

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